Single Family Streamlining Project
Single Family Design Board Process Updates and Title 30 Zoning Amendments Take Effect May 28, 2026
View the adopted ordinance amendments and updated guidelines here:
Title 30 Zoning Ordinance Amendments
Updated Single Family Design Board Guidelines
Save the date for an informational webinar:
May 20, 2026 at 9:00AM
(Registration details forthcoming)
Project Overview
In response to community feedback, State law, and direction from City Council, the Single Family Streamlining Project streamlines and simplifies the process for approving single-family residential projects while maintaining Santa Barbara’s tradition of quality architecture and a desirable residential environment. This project amends to the Single Family Design Board (SFDB) ordinance and design guidelines, along with the Zoning Ordinance to provide more flexibility for homeowners to improve their properties. This project was done in response to years of policy analysis and the 2020 Novak Report, which recommended significant changes to the City's SFDB program. The project reduces the number of project types subject to SFDB review, expands administrative approvals of minor projects, and simplifies the application process.
Archive Documents
April 14, 2026 Single Family Streamlining City Council Introduction Packet
Title 30, 25, and 22 Ordinance Amendments and Updated SFDB Guidelines
March 17, 2026 Ordinance Committee Hearing
Minutes
January 8, 2026 Planning Commission Recommendation Hearing Documents
1-8-26 PC Staff Report - Single Family Streamlining
December 4, 2025 Planning Commission Discussion Staff Report & Attachments
12-4-25 PC Staff Report and Attachments - Single Family Streamlining
June 17, 2025 City Council Briefing Session Staff Report & Attachments
Council Agenda Report
Attachment 1 - SFDB Design Review Triggers
Attachment 2 - Data Analysis Summary
Attachment 3 - Public Outreach Summary
Attachment 4 - Zoning & Guideline Amendments Summary
March 21, 2024 Planning Commission Staff Report